Residents at a care home in Hitchin had the chance to hold a coveted football trophy aloft before Stevenage’s cup tie – which has just kicked off.

The Capital One Cup made an appearance at the Milford Lodge Care Home in Priory End yesterday prior to Stevenage FC’s first round match at Ipswich Town tonight.

Members of the Stevenage Football Club Foundation – the club’s official community scheme – took the cup along as part of Capital One’s sponsorship of the Football League Cup tournament.

The foundation’s head, Alex Tunbridge, said: “It’s been a great day. Those living in the care home have really enjoyed the cup coming to visit, and for the chance to have their picture taken with it.

“We do a lot of work in the community in and around Stevenage, and it’s been a great experience for the people here to have had a chance to hold the cup.”

The staff and volunteers from the League Two outfit’s community arm also played memory games with the residents, some of who suffer from dementia.

Foundation volunteer Dave Smith – who also doubles up as club mascot ‘Boro Bear’ on matchdays – explained: “You feel quite pleased and proud of having the opportunity to do things that help make people remember things from the past, and for the chance to hold the cup – I just wish it was Stevenage lifting it!”

Asoke Ghosh, 88, who lives in the home, said: “It’s great the cup came here. It was wonderful to have the chance to be pictured with it.

“I support Stevenage, and I think young Teddy Sheringham will be a great manager. Thank you to everyone from the club for coming here with the cup.”

Care home marketing manager Kate Peto said: “It’s a real honour for the Capital One Cup to be brought here for our residents.

“It’s been great, you can see they’ve really enjoyed the day.

“They’ve been talking about this event for weeks and have been so excited.

“A big thank you to everyone involved, and of course to the Stevenage Foundation.”

Care assistant Jodie Grey added: “I love the fact the trophy came here – it’s given everyone a real buzz.”